The Journey - June 8, 2016

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Let’s break this down.

Companions are a dime a dozen. Just provide the external hooks of wings, beer, cigars, and football and you have all kinds of companions hanging around. Add the social externals of position, status, and wealth and the room is crowded. Even Christians like the many companions thing. All the externals mentioned above mixed in with a little “Jesus” or “church” or “Bible” and all of a sudden you have a Cool Guy Christian Companion Club. Evangelical name droppers love to be in the CGCCC!

A friend, on the other hand, is priceless. They hang around without the external hooks. When the food is gone and football season is over, a friend sticks around. When you are no longer the CEO, a friend still loves to be seen with you. When you downsize from the deck and pool to just the deck, a friend still helps flip the burgers. When things go belly up and you have to trade in the Porsche for a Pinto, a friend still calls shotgun.

So look around. Be discerning. One of these days the wings and beer will be gone. One of these days the money will be spent. One of these days a cool guy Christian Bible study will not be enough. One of these days people who just hang around will not be enough; you’re going to need someone to stick close. That day is coming. Better find Him now.